Why developer wants to replace Livermore offices with homes

LIVERMORE -- The owner of two Livermore office parks, who wants to replace them with homes, will lay out plan options to neighbors and tenants Thursday.

Sunset Development Company, which owns Sunset Office Plaza and Livermore Financial Center, has said it plans to ask the city for a rezoning to convert the south Livermore parks to residential use. A representative for the developer has said that a reason for the change is that the rate of local office vacancies is much higher than that for residential vacancies.

An initial Jan. 23 public meeting drew nearly 60 tenants and residents, many of whom voiced concerns over increased noise and traffic and the loss of local small businesses.

"In response to comments voiced at the meeting we are developing three concept plans to share with you and get additional feedback as to your preferences," Chris Truebridge, a Sunset Development senior vice president, wrote in a letter to tenants and neighbors.

The meeting will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Sunset Elementary School, 1671 Frankfurt Way.